Manufacturing Engineer – Space and Fusion Energy Optics

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically strong Manufacturing Engineer to support the production of precision optical components and assemblies for satellite telescope systems and high energy optics. This role bridges engineering design and production execution by translating customer requirements into manufacturable technical documentation, optimizing workflows, and ensuring quality compliance in a high-precision environment.

The ideal candidate combines hands-on manufacturing knowledge with strong documentation skills and a continuous improvement mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Documentation & Production Planning

  • Interpret customer specifications and engineering requirements, translating them into detailed technical drawings and manufacturing documentation
  • Create and maintain process routing sheets, including:
    • Travelers – defining the complete sequence of manufacturing steps
    • Methods – detailed work instructions for each operation
  • Develop, update, and control manufacturing procedures to ensure consistency, accuracy, repeatability, and compliance with industry standards
  • Ensure alignment between engineering intent, production capability, and quality requirements

Process Improvement

  • Evaluate existing manufacturing workflows to identify opportunities for optimization
  • Apply lean principles and structured problem-solving methods to reduce waste, improve throughput, and enhance product quality
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design, production, quality, supply chain) to streamline operations
  • Assess and recommend new tools, equipment, fixturing, and technologies to improve manufacturing efficiency and precision

Quality Assurance & Compliance

  • Compile and generate quality documentation packages for completed jobs
  • Ensure reports accurately reflect inspection data and customer specifications
  • Support quality control initiatives and root cause investigations
  • Maintain compliance with customer requirements and applicable industry standards (e.g., aerospace and ISO standards)

Collaboration & Training

  • Work closely with design engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure manufacturing processes align with project objectives
  • Provide training and guidance to production personnel on new or revised processes
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives across departments

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in manufacturing, industrial engineering, or precision production environment
  • Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo, or equivalent)
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control principles, and technical documentation standards
  • Experience developing work instructions, process flows, and production documentation
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in precision optics, aerospace, or high-tolerance manufacturing
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or structured process improvement methodologies
  • Experience working within ISO or aerospace quality management systems
  • Demonstrated ability to generate comprehensive technical and quality reports
  • Experience supporting highly regulated or customer-audited production environments

Key Competencies

  • Detail-oriented with strong documentation discipline
  • Ability to translate engineering concepts into clear, executable manufacturing steps
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Process-driven with a continuous improvement mindset
  • Comfortable working in a precision, high-accountability environment